COVID-19 isn't cooling growth at Dave's Hot Chicken

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Since launching its franchise plan in October, the 3-year-old concept has signed deals to develop 100 brick-and-mortar locations and plans to hit 200 by year's…

Potbelly may close 100 shops, Noodles delays quarterly report

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

As some restaurants around the United States are reopening, COVID-19 is still wreaking havoc on many including Potbelly, based in Chicago, and…

10 reasons Fast Casual's Top 100 will be 'the virtual event of the year'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The 2020 Fast Casual Top 100 winners will be revealed during a live, virtual gala May 15.

Boston Market CEO talks Covid-19 strategy

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although Boston Market has been able to keep the majority of its restaurants open for delivery and curbside orders, CEO Eric Wyatt said he's had to make…

Pret a Manger reopening select NYC stores

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

April 29, 2020

While many restaurants throughout the United States have opted to stay open for delivery and carry-out during COVID-19, Pret a Manger decided on March 17 to…

Why Schlotzsky's isn't ready to reopen dining rooms

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although based in Georgia, where restaurants are now allowed to reopen dining rooms, Schlotzsky's has decided against welcoming in-store dining. COO Tory…

To reopen or not to reopen: How soon is too soon?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

In all things, someone has to go first, and in the pandemic in which we are now living, the state of Georgia has taken the lead in allowing restaurants to…

It's business (almost) as usual at I Heart Mac & Cheese

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although sales are down 60-75% at I Heart Mac & Cheese, CEO Steve Giordanell is moving ahead with growth plans.

Tacos 4 Life co-founder on the permanent effects of COVID-19

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Austin Samuelson reveals how the pandemic has forever changed his operations strategy.

Rubio's, Cowboy Chicken, Boston Market have Easter dinner covered

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Many Americans typically spend Easter Sunday at large family gatherings, which isn't possible this year with COVID-19 still running its course. Several fast…

SoBol CEO, franchisee not giving up during COVID-19

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Sobol Co-founder Jason Mazzarone is doing everything he can to help his 6-year-old business survive.

Schlotzsky's CEO: Restaurants must 'lean in hard on business partners'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Schlotzsky's CEO Beto Guajardo is helping franchisees in four main areas: communications, financial support, operations and promotions.

17 vendors offering freebies to help restaurants live another day

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

As restaurants struggle to keep their businesses open amid COVID-19, vendors are proving that they are ready to help.

8 franchisors waiving royalty fees

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburger, Barberitos, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Firehouse Subs, Gyroville, Muscle Maker Grill, Qdoba and Schlotzsky's are cutting…

Wow Bao wants to be your next revenue stream

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The Chicago-based chain is giving restaurant brands all over the U.S. access to another revenue stream by allowing them to serve a limited menu of its Bao…

Boloco CEO: 'It was a miraculous day'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

COVID-19 is taking its toll on businesses across the U.S., and Boloco CEO John Pepper wasn't going down without a fight.

Is the government's boost enough to save the restaurant industry?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Leaders of Firehouse Subs, Boloco and the National Restaurant Association weigh in on if the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act goes far enough…

How Cousins Subs is delaying layoffs as long as possible

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Like many restaurant concepts trying to survive COVID-19, sales are down at Cousins Subs, a Wisconsin-based chain with more than 100 locations. CEO Christine…

Balance Grille, Mooyah helping industry navigate COVID-19 crisis

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

As the restaurant industry adjusts to the crisis that is COVID-19, leaders of two fast casual brands, Balance Grill and Mooyah, are doing their best to make…

Restaurants offering creative promos to drive traffic during social distancing

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Whether its slashing delivery fees, offering funny promotions or expanding services to include grocery delivery, fast casual brands are finding ways to survive…